Review – Carousel & Clothesline
Cirque de Vague brings some serious talent from Montreal to the Garden for Carousel & Clothesline. This show is by turns impressive, funny and sexy, and this troupe has entertainment down to a tee.
With more costume changes than a Beyonce concert (hence the clothesline), the group move cohesively through a series of acts, showing off their skill and familiarity with the modern circus repertoire. If they had left it at that, this would be an OK show. But what really makes Carousel & Clothesline great is the troupe’s endearing personalities and comical routines.
The aloof, moustachioed diva masters jumps and lands from several apparatus, as well as an acrobatic disco routine accompanied by a particularly adorable (if slightly clueless) strongman. The gorgeous contortionist stuns the crowd with her aerial rope maneuvers. The jugglers were having a bit of an off night when I saw it, but their personalities more than make up for it. And then, the trapeze. My favourite. Imagine a bearded and tattooed muscle man supporting his pint-sized partner by her pelvis in a complex hold, which then segues seamlessly and sensuously between flips, holds and drops to the gasping appreciation of the crowd. Hot, right? Just wait until you see it.
Despite my drooling and the 9pm timeslot, this show is suitable for all ages. Some earlier shows and family passes are also available. If you’re a fan of quality circus, or are just looking for some good, clean fun, Cirque de Vague has it absolutely nailed.
